Route 25A, East of Riverhead 1978

Curator: Here we have a photograph, Route 25A, East of Riverhead, by Per Brandin, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels stark, almost desolate, despite being a landscape. The repetitive patterns of the crops are quite striking. Curator: Indeed. Brandin’s use of black and white emphasizes the formal elements: the lines of the road, the rectangular shapes of the fields. It’s a study in geometric composition. Editor: Yet, the crops themselves evoke a sense of abundance, resilience. The land yielding sustenance, a timeless symbol of hope and provision. Curator: I’m not sure I perceive hope here. To me it speaks more about structural austerity in the face of nature. Editor: Perhaps both are present. It is a compelling piece which uses visual patterns to create a sense of complex tension. Curator: I agree; the formal structure allows diverse interpretations to take root.